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Board discusses Eldridge Skate Center closure and whether Davenport can host roller activities
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Summary
Advisory members asked staff about a possible capacity gap after news the Eldridge Skate Center may close; parks staff said River’s Edge could host summer roller activities after ice removal but noted space, flooring, and cost constraints that require further study.
Board members raised concerns that the likely closure of the Eldridge Skate Center will leave a gap in roller‑skating and derby opportunities in the Quad Cities. "With the Eldridge Skate Center potential closing, is there any thought of how Davenport could potentially fill that coming void?" one member asked.
Parks staff said they would investigate options but cautioned the city lacks indoor gym and court space for regular skating programs. Staff identified River’s Edge as the most comparable facility: "In the North Arena due to humidity and ... we can't reasonably keep ice cooled, so we melt the sheet completely and remove it ... so it is the entire arena ... down to the concrete floor," the director explained. That concrete floor is usable in summer, and staff said it might be possible to host limited roller‑skating or derby activities when the ice is removed, but permanent conversion or moving the Eldridge hardwood/roller surface would depend on whether that flooring is modular and on installation costs.
Staff emphasized limitations: seasonality (summer only where ice is removed), available gym space across the parks system, and staff resources to install and maintain a specialized floor. They suggested short‑term seasonal programming could be pursued while longer‑term facility solutions are evaluated.
Next step: staff will investigate feasibility (flooring modularity, installation cost, scheduling) and report back to the board for further direction.
